In the

beginning

Herbies People began their musical career in 1959 when five pupils of Etheridge SM School in Bilston, England, formed a band known until 1965 as Danny Cannon and the Ramrods. They were: Danny Robinson, Ken Hooper, Alan Lacey, Len Beddow and Pete Walton.According to Len Beddow, it was decided that Danny should be the singer because he had invested in the group's only microphone. Len became lead guitarist because he had bought the guitar and Alan Lacey drummer because he had purchased the drum. Pete elected to play bass, and Ken became rhythm guitarist. It was thus all soon settled. They became increasingly popular throughout the greater Midlands area. In their home town, where the lads regularly played at the Saturday night dances held in the Town Hall, they came to enjoy a huge and loyal following. In the ballrooms of the Black Country the Ramrods became a major attraction.

Buddy Holly captured the imagination of the Ramrods because of the distinctive sound he and the Crickets achieved, which the Ramrods tried to emulate.

Early Influences

In 1962, the band made their first appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London with the above line-up, as part of the Toc-H Golden Jubilee celebrations.

In May 1964 with a slightly different line-up (Mike Taylor on rhythm and Brendan Guest on bass), the Ramrods reached the finals of the national "New Sound 1964" competition held at the fabled Cavern Club in Liverpool. They finished equal first.